Mobile Dialysis Fluid Preparation With On-Site Purification
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an improved system to meet periods of high treatment demand for acute kidney injury (AKI) or other unique applications, such as home dialysis, particularly during emergencies like pandemics, where there are shortages of dialysis fluid and machines.
Innovation Solution
A mobile dialysis fluid preparation system that includes a cargo unit equipped with dialysis fluid preparation units, water purification equipment, and mixing devices to produce dialysis fluid on-site using tap water and concentrates, with a cleanroom and laminar HEPA air flow for protection, and a system for filling and storing dialysis fluid in containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dialysis fluid is prepared using conventional centralized systems, then production efficiency is maintained, but system complexity and resource dependency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the dialysis fluid preparation process into separate functional modules: water purification equipment, concentrate storage containers, mixing devices with pumps, and filtration systems. Each module operates independently but contributes to the overall fluid production, allowing for easier maintenance and reduced system complexity while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile dialysis unit is designed to perform multiple functions: purifying water, storing and mixing concentrates, filtering the final solution, and directly providing dialysis treatment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate centralized facilities and improves production efficiency while managing system complexity through integrated design.
2Reliability
If dialysis fluid is stored in large quantities for emergency preparedness, then availability during emergencies is improved, but storage space and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes pre-sterilized concentrate containers that are prepared in advance and can be quickly activated during emergencies. Water purification equipment is pre-installed and can begin operation immediately, eliminating the need for large stockpiles of prepared dialysis fluid while ensuring rapid availability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile unit incorporates on-demand water purification and fluid mixing capabilities, allowing it to generate dialysis fluid as needed rather than relying on pre-stored quantities. This self-sufficient approach ensures reliable availability during emergencies without requiring extensive storage space.
3Ease of operation
If mobile dialysis units are deployed to emergency locations, then accessibility and availability are improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines water purification, concentrate mixing, filtration, and dialysis treatment functions into a single integrated mobile unit. This consolidation improves accessibility by bringing all necessary functions to emergency locations while managing operational complexity through unified control systems and standardized procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes disposable filters and single-use concentrate containers that simplify operation by eliminating complex cleaning and sterilization procedures. These disposable components reduce operational complexity while maintaining accessibility, as they can be quickly replaced without requiring specialized technical skills.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables the production of high-quality dialysis fluid on-site, minimizing resource impact and ensuring availability during emergencies, and is applicable for both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Implementation Method 1
water purification equipment
Implementation Method 2
Hemodialysis (HD), which in general uses diffusion to remove waste products from a patient's blood
Implementation Method 3
Hemofiltration (HF) is an alternative renal replacement therapy that relies on a convective transport of toxins from the patient's blood
Implementation Method 4
A diffusive gradient occurs across the semi-permeable dialyzer between the blood and an electrolyte solution called dialysate or dialysis fluid
Implementation Method 5
laminar HEPA air flow for protection
Implementation Method 6
laminar HEPA air flow
Data Source
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AI summary
A mobile dialysis fluid generation system includes a cargo unit configured to be transported by a vehicle; a cleanroom located inside the cargo unit; water purification equipment; at least one dialysis fluid preparation unit located inside the cleanroom, the at least one dialysis fluid preparation unit including at least one concentrate, a mixing device configured to receive purified water from the water purification equipment and to mix the purified water with the at least one concentrate to form dialysis fluid, a tubing set for transfer of the dialysis fluid from the mixing device to a container positioned and arranged to receive the dialysis fluid; and at least one area provided outside the cleanroom but inside the cargo unit for storing at least one of a raw material or containers filled with dialysis fluid.